Rad tech advocates recognized for their work fighting scope creep in 2 states

The American Society of Radiologic Technologists recently recognized rad techs for their work building a community and fighting scope creep in two states. 

ASRT on Wednesday named Diane Kosenko, with LucidHealth affiliate Radiology Associates of Hartford, Connecticut, as the winner of its 2025 individual Award for Advocacy. The Minnesota Society of Radiologic Technologists, meanwhile, took home ASRT’s affiliate award, with both applauded for their efforts to protect the profession and foster awareness about technologists. 

The association has recognized members of the field with the designation since 2003, acknowledging achievements in advocacy including overall growth and grass-roots involvement. ASRT members recommend nominees, with the association’s Committee on RT Advocacy selecting winners for lobbying efforts taking place between Oct. 1, 2023, and Sept. 30 of last year. 

Kosenko, of Bristol, Connecticut, has served as a computed tomography tech for 26 years and active advocate for the rad tech profession for three-plus decades. Last year, she helped fight a House bill that would’ve allowed advanced-practice registered nurses to perform fluoroscopy without radiation safety training or the presence of a credentialed RT. 

Alongside the Connecticut Society of Radiologic Technologists, Kosenko rallied support, encouraging other impacted techs, educators and radiologists to submit testimony. Their work paid off, with lawmakers amending the bill to “prohibit APRNs from independently performing fluoroscopy without proper supervision,” ASRT noted. 

“I’m honored and grateful for the recognition,” Kosenko said by phone Thursday. “I have worked with some great advocates in our profession. [Quinnipiac University] Professor William Hennessy, who serves on the legislative committee with me, was instrumental in our work to address this fluoroscopy bill.” 

Kosenko is a longtime active member of the Connecticut society, serving as board chair, president, VP, treasurer, delegate and senior board member, the ASRT noted. She also was chair of the Ambassadors for RT Advocacy for five years and is a graduate of the ASRT Leadership Academy. Kosenko encouraged the Connecticut Society of Radiologic Technologists to hold a day at the capitol to teach students about the legislative process. She also has sought to school peers on how bills are passed, where to find legislative contacts, and what committees most impact members. 

“Kosenko continues to encourage others in the profession to take an active role and has mentored members of the CSRT Board of Directors on how to advocate for the profession,” ASRT said in the April 23 announcement.

In addition, she has spoken at the Missouri Society of Radiologic Technologists annual conference, emphasizing the importance of advocating for the rad tech profession. Kosenko said she believes it’s crucial to educate the next generation about advocacy.

“We have to let them know that their voice matters,” she said

MSRT takes home affiliate award

Meanwhile, ASRT applauded the Minnesota Society of Radiologic Technologists for its high level of engagement with techs, the community and elected officials. Last year, MSRT launched “50 States, 50 Standards” for its members to share ideas and collaborate with rad tech societies in other geographies. 

“Community is a priority” for the Minnesota society, ASRT said in its announcement. 

“We thought, hey, wouldn't it be great if we worked with other states to collaborate and help each other get things done?” Kate Cheney, board chair for the MSRT, said when asked about the inspiration for the 50/50 web forum. “Because there's not always a lot of people interested or knowledgeable about this type of advocacy. So, that was the thought that we had in the back of our minds for a long time.”

Last year, MSRT worked with sonographers and midwifery groups to advocate against two companion bills to establish a new licensure category for certified midwives. Members also participated in the American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Walk and ASRT Invisible Heroes 5k, the association said in its announcement. Through such events, they have helped to spread word of the “the vital role medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals perform in healthcare.”

The community-building comes as MSRT seeks to gain full-licensure recognition for technologists in Minnesota—one of the few states without it. 

“We're trying to build awareness within our community about the importance of licensing because our patients and members deserve better here in Minnesota,” said Afton Jena, president-elect for the society.